COVID-19 Bulletin: Thursday 23 December

December 26, 2021

Numbers not statistics: This week (last week)

Note: Percentages may decrease due to changes in the number of inpatients and in the number of staff members (starters and leavers). 

1. New: Closing to visiting from midnight on Christmas Day

Due to the rising levels of COVID-19 infection in the community and the increased risk this poses to our patients we have had to make the difficult decision to close general visiting at all wards and departments across our Trust from midnight on Christmas Day.

Visiting arrangements however will remain in place as they have done throughout the pandemic for our most vulnerable patients, those patients who are at the end of life, those with limited mental capacity, parent/guardian supporting their children and birthing partners in maternity.

Vulnerable patients attending our emergency or outpatient departments can be accompanied by one person.

Where visiting is allowed in exceptional circumstances, please ensure that this is agreed with the ward, is limited to one visitor and crucially that they are able to evidence a negative lateral flow test from that day and do not have any COVID-19 related symptoms.

Please can all colleagues ensure that patients on their wards and departments are supported to be able to contact their loved ones, there are iPads and mobile phones available to support this.

2. New: Update to self-isolation guidance

As we see COVID-19 cases on the rise once again with the fast spread of the Omicron variant, an all too familiar feeling for many of us, the protocol for self-isolation guidance for colleagues has been updated.

National self-isolation guidance changed on 15 December to allow fully vaccinated NHS colleagues who are identified as a contact of a positive COVID-19 case to no longer be expected to self-isolate, and to return to work.

Colleagues who are fully vaccinated (have received two doses of an approved vaccine) and are identified as a contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19 can return to work providing they comply with the following:

• Have received the first two COVID-19 vaccinations more than 14 days prior
• Proof of a negative PCR test
• Conduct daily lateral flow tests for 10 days prior to attending work – evidence is required and PCR test results can be uploaded to the government website here, where a text message will be received as proof
• Strict compliance with PPE including hand hygiene and social distancing

PCR tests can be obtained from your nearest testing station and can be booked online or by calling 119.

This change is effective immediately. For the protocol and guidance, click here.

3. New: Sandwell celebrates record booster vaccine numbers

Sandwell is celebrating two record-breaking days of giving vaccine boosters – and urging anyone who hasn’t yet had one to grab a jab.

On Friday 17^th December, 3,601 Sandwell residents had their booster – 22% up on the previous record, and 3,892 had theirs on Saturday – another increase of 8%.

Last week across the Black Country and West Birmingham, a total of more than 100,000 vaccine doses were given at pharmacies, GP surgeries, pop-up clinics and walk-in centres.

Sandwell’s Director of Public Health Dr Lisa McNally said: “The new omicron variant is a significant threat. It is spreading much faster than any coronavirus variant we’ve seen before is already causing serious illness and death.

“The best way to protect ourselves is get fully vaccinated.  Whether it’s your first jab or your booster, the teams at our vaccine clinics will be really pleased to see you.

“On Friday 17 December, Sandwell’s residents got a record 3,601 boosters in just one day. On Saturday 18 December that record was broken again, with 3,892 boosters jabs given.

“The Sandwell community has always responded positively to the threat coronavirus poses. Clearly, nothing has changed in that respect.”

Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for adults, social care and health Councillor Suzanne Hartwell said: “I’d urge everyone who hasn’t had their booster, or their first or second dose, yet to get it as soon as they can.

“There are so many places you can get your jab, we have pop-up clinics, walk-in centres and pharmacies all ready to give you your vaccines.

“Please get yours as soon as possible to protect yourself and your loved ones.”

For details on pop-up clinics in Sandwell – where you can get your booster, first or second doses without an appointment – go to https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-walk-in-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-site

Upcoming pop-up clinics offering first and second doses and boosters (Pfizer) without an appointment include:

Thursday 23 December 10am – 3pm

Tipton Muslim Community Centre, Wellington Rd, Tipton, DY4 8RS

Wednesday 29 December 10am – 3m

YMCA – West Bromwich, Carters Green, West Bromwich, B70 9LG

With more than 100 vaccination sites available across the Black Country and West Birmingham, including shopping centres, sports centres and town centres, as well as local pharmacies and GP surgeries, it’s never been easier to get your jab.

To find another walk-in centre where you can get your jab without an appointment, or to book an appointment at a time to suit you, go to https://www.nhs.uk/covidvaccination If you’re not online, call 119.

4. New: Do your bit, get your jabs – get boosted now

If you have watched the news, heard via the media and read our daily communications bulletins, you will know how important it is we help support the national ‘Get Boosted Now’ campaign at this crucial time in the battle against COVID-19. The Omicron variant is spreading fast and we are seeing a rise in cases throughout the country, in our community and within our hospitals – so it’s really important we do our bit to get maximum protection for ourselves and for our patients as we fight COVID-19 together.

Our vaccination hubs on site have been very busy in supporting the administration of the COVID-19 booster vaccination to colleagues and to the general public, but there are still many colleagues who are yet to receive their vaccinations. The good news is, it’s not too late.

Missing out on that protection will leave you much more vulnerable to severe illness. Get both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and the booster jab if you’re eligible.

When and where to get vaccinated of the festive period

Are you yet to receive your first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccination? You can get these at our vaccination hubs too. You can also get the flu jab which is safe to have alongside the COVID boosters. Please get your vaccinations as soon as possible. Get boosted now.

5. New: Delivering nMABS – COVID-19 treatment for non-hospitalised patients

Neutralising monoclonal antibodies (nMABs) are a new type of COVID-19 treatment which are usually administered intravenously.

Access to monoclonal antibodies as a treatment for COVID-19 has now been extended to non-hospitalised patients who are PCR positive, aged 12 and above and who are considered at highest risk of progression to severe disease, hospital admission or death. Eligible patients may receive antiviral therapy if an nMAB is contraindicated.

What are Neutralising Monoclonal Antibodies (nMABs)

nMABS are synthetic monoclonal antibodies that bind to the spike protein of the COVID-19 virus, which prevents entry into the host cell and replication.

Eligibility Criteria

• PCR positive covid test result received within last 72 hours.
• AND onset of symptoms within last 7 days.
• AND a member of a highest risk group
• aged >12 years and >40kg

The high-risk group include patients with downs syndrome, sickle cell disease, solid cancer, haematological malignancy, severe renal and liver disease, decompensated liver disease, those on significant immunosuppression, primary immune deficiencies.

Eligible patients will be contacted directly by the newly formed COVID Medicine Delivery Unit (CMDU) triage nurse and receive their treatment in the new unit in the Sheldon Building at City Hospital.

If however, you come across suitable patients who have been missed, please ask them to contact 111 or phone their GP.

Further details about the new treatment can be found in the following guidance document: COVID Medicine Delivery Unit (Word)

Please continue to use the pathways in place for hospitalised patients as described here: Neutralising Monoclonal Antibody (nMAB) (Casirivimab and Imdevimab) Ronapreve in Hospitalised Patients

6. Updated: COVID-19 testing at Christmas

Anyone in Sandwell with symptoms of COVID-19 over Christmas and New Year is urged to get tested.

All local COVID-19 testing sites and the regional testing site in Sandwell will operate as normal throughout the Christmas period, except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, when they will be open for a shorter length of time.

Getting tested is one of the main ways to keep you, your family and friends safe from spreading COVID-19 if you have symptoms. You may also need to get tested if you are told to by NHS Test and Trace.

Testing sites in Sandwell will be open:

• Tuesday 21 December: 8am-6pm
• Wednesday 22 December: 8am-6pm
• Thursday 23 December: 8am-6pm
• Friday Christmas Eve: 8am-6pm
• Saturday Christmas Day: 10am-2pm
• Sunday Boxing Day: 10am-2pm
• Monday 27 December: 8am-6pm
• Tuesday 28 December: 8am-6pm
• Wednesday 29 December: 8am-6pm
• Thursday 30 December: 8am-6pm
• Friday New Year’s Eve: 8am-6pm
• Saturday New Year’s Day: 10am-2pm.

Tests at local COVID-19 testing sites and the regional testing site are by appointment only. To book a test visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing/ or call 119.

7. Reminder: Keeping us safe is between you, me and the LAMP post

 With the growing concern about numbers as well as the Omicron variant. We are, of course, reminding you once again of the importance and ease of the LAMP (Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification) test.

The saliva test is a speedy and less invasive way of detecting COVID-19. You can book a kit collection slot for the weekly test, which requires you to spit into a tube in the morning before you brush your teeth or an hour after you have eaten.

When you arrive at work, you can deposit your sample into a red collection box. Many of these are positioned around our acute and community sites.

You can find drop off points and more information by clicking here.

Changes to LAMP sample collection times and processing over the Christmas and New Year period

• Friday 24 December: Samples must be in collection bins by 8:30 am
• Monday 27 Dec and Tuesday 28 Dec: Reduced service, please use bins outside Pathology
• Wednesday 29 and 30 December 2021: Normal service with last collection of samples from the bins at 4:30pm
• Friday 31 December: Samples must be in collection bin by 8:30am
• Monday 3rd January: Reduced service, please use bins outside Pathology

Normal service will resume on Tuesday 4th January 2022

If you are still unsure how to complete your LAMP test, be sure to check out the step-by-step guide in the video below.

Even if you are vaccinated it is vital that you register and carry out the weekly tests as they will help identify if you’re asymptomatic. Your saliva sample is ONLY used to test for COVID and is disposed of after testing.

Uptake of the weekly saliva test is monitored to ensure we are doing everything we can to protect our patients, the public and each other.

The latest data by group is below:

8. Reminder: Looking after your mental health

It’s more important than ever that we look after ourselves, stay connected, and keep the conversation going about how we are feeling and how these circumstances are affecting us.

Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BCHFT) has set up a Black Country and West Birmingham Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub, to provide an entry point into mental health talking therapies and support for colleagues across the Black Country and West Birmingham Integrated Care System (ICS).

Qualified mental health professionals offer priority pathways to confidential telephone, video, or face-to-face support tailored to individual needs, provided by local mental health teams and support services close to home.

Don’t suffer in silence: If you are feeling overwhelmed or need someone to talk to. If you feel that you would benefit from this support, you can self-refer by visiting the BCHFT website. Alternatively, you can email bchft.hub@nhs.net or call 0121 8031444.

Note: This is not a crisis service. If you require urgent mental health support, please call Rethink’s 24/7 mental health helpline on 0800 0086516 or visit BCHFT’s help in a crisis page for a range of options. You can find out more about the 24/7 mental health helpline here.